The Wetland City accreditation process for cities from Germany
Wetlands are indispensable for modern cities. Whether moors, floodplains or lakes – they are valuable habitats and essential building blocks for climate protection and climate adaptation. The global accreditation program “Ramsar Wetland City” now offers German cities the opportunity to make their commitment to urban wetlands internationally visible.
The “Ramsar Wetland City” award was adopted in 2015 as part of the 12th Conference of the Parties (COP12) to the Convention on Wetlands on Wetlands. It is a voluntary program of the contracting parties (states) and offers cities the opportunity to strategically present, strengthen and continuously develop their activities for the protection of urban wetlands. The accreditation of cities by an independent decision-making committee (International Accreditation Committee, IAC) is valid for two COP cycles (six years in total). Cities can extend the accreditation after this period has expired.
Why apply as a city for Wetland City accreditation?
- Improved reputation and sharpened profile of the city on this topic.
- Exchange with other cities within a global community and international recognition.
- Increasing the well-being of all citizens through possible additional measures to optimize the microclimate, local recreation areas and water quality.
- Increased commitment of the city to sustainability and resilience and thus a strong position to meet the challenges of climate change.
- Possible access to new funding opportunities for the protection of valuable habitats and sustainable management of wetlands.
Your way to accreditation
The process begins with a decision by the local council or municipality and the formation of an interdisciplinary working group – a team that pools expertise and represents different perspectives (e.g. from the fields of environment, urban planning and tourism). The application or accreditation documents completed by the city are submitted by the national contact point(Federal Agency for Nature Conservation) to the decision-making committee of the International Wetlands Convention (IAC).
Schedule 2026-2028
- March/April 2026: Call for applications by the Ramsar Secretariat.
- Until December 31, 2026: Complete and submit the documents in coordination with the national contact point BfN.
- 2027 – first half of 2028: Examination and selection by the IAC
- June 2028: Ceremony honoring the newly accredited cities at the World Conference (COP16) in Panama.
WFurther information: How to become a Wetland City?
- Flyer on the accreditation process “Wetland City 2026 – 2028” – here in brief
- Accredited Wetland Cities: Wetland City Accreditation | The Convention on Wetlands
- PDF with guidelines for certification as a “Wetland City” for cities: HERE
- Description of the accreditation process HERE
- Download the nomination form as a Word file HERE
Materials from the Online information event on the Ramsar Wetland City accreditation program (22.04.2026):
